Edmonton Oilers fans have much to anticipate as the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, approach. With NHL players returning to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014, the tournament promises excitement and a strong Oilers presence. Here's a comprehensive guide for Oilers fans looking to follow the action.
Oilers Representing Their Nations
Three members of the Oilers organization are confirmed to compete at the Olympics. Connor McDavid will represent Team Canada, while Leon Draisaitl and Josh Samanski will suit up for Germany. McDavid, who has achieved nearly every individual accolade in the NHL, will be making his Olympic debut. Draisaitl, considered the greatest German hockey player ever, will center the top line for Team Germany. Samanski, after a strong season, also joins team Germany.
Former Oilers in the Mix
Beyond current Oilers, several former players will also participate in the tournament. David Tomasek (Czechia), Yohann Auvitu (France), Philip Broberg (Sweden), Dominik Kahun (Germany), Tobias Rieder (Germany), Patrick Russell (Denmark), and Martin Marincin (Slovakia) are all former Oilers who have made their respective national teams.
The Tournament Format and Schedule
The men's ice hockey tournament will feature 12 teams divided into three groups of four. The format remains consistent with previous Olympics, featuring round-robin play within the groups to determine seeding, followed by elimination rounds. The top team from each group, along with the highest-ranked second-place team, will receive a bye to the second round. The remaining eight teams will compete in a qualification game to advance to the quarter-finals. The tournament starts on February 11th, 2026. Team Canada's first game is scheduled for February 12th against the Czech Republic. Team USA will face Latvia in their first game on February 12th. The men's gold medal game will be held on February 22nd.
Key Preliminary Round Matchups
Several preliminary round games offer compelling storylines. Group A matchups to watch include Canada vs. Czechia on February 12th, and Canada vs. Switzerland on February 13th. In Group C, the United States will face Germany on February 15th. McDavid and Draisaitl will not face each other in the preliminary round as their teams are in different groups, but a playoff or medal round matchup remains a possibility.
Venues and Atmosphere
The ice hockey competitions will be held at two venues in Milan: the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Fiera Milano pavilions. The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a newly built, state-of-the-art facility with a seating capacity of 14,000, will be the primary venue. It is designed to offer spectators an immersive and dynamic experience. After the Olympics, the arena will be converted into a multi-functional center for sports and entertainment events.
The Return of NHL Players
The return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics marks a significant moment for international hockey. This is the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games that the sport's best talents will represent their countries. The Edmonton Oilers are well-represented, with their stars ready to compete for their nations.